'You have an exorbitant auditory impediment,' replied the doctor, ever conscious of the necessity for maintaining a certain iatric mystique, and fully aware that 'a pea in the ear 'was unlikely to earn him any kudos.

"You have an exorbitant auditory impediment," replied the doctor, conscious of the necessity for maintaining a certain iatric mystique, and fully aware that "a pea in the ear" was unlikely to earn him any kudos.